How to Close Pores After Unclogging Huge Blackheads & Whiteheads

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CECILIA HARSCH Last Updated: Jan 28, 2015

Cecilia Harsch

Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.

Blackhead and whiteheads occur when the pores on your skin become clogged with excess oils. Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are open spots on the surface of your skin where blocked oils turn black inside of the pore. Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are not open at the surface, so the clogged oils appear white. Clogged pores can become enlarged, and the removal of whitehead or blackhead leaves a large, open pore. Proper treatment of your skin can help reduce the size and appearance of your pores; however, they will never close and may never return to their original size.

Step 1

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Clean your face with a mild cleanser for acne-prone skin once you remove the blackheads and whiteheads.

Step 2

Photo Credit Diane Shear/Demand Media

Apply toner with the active ingredient of salicylic acid over your skin after cleansing. This helps to remove excess oils and cleanser residue, and helps reduce and prevent acne. Toner also helps to tighten the skin and reduce the size and appearance of your pores.

Step 3

Photo Credit Diane Shear/Demand Media

Treat your skin to a microdermabrasion treatment, either at home or at your dermatologist's office. The abrasiveness of the treatment removes the top layer of skin, revealing new skin beneath the surface layers. It also encourages collagen production, reducing the size and appearance of your pores.

Step 4

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Apply pore-minimizing creams to reduce the size of your pores. Follow the directions of the cream you choose to get the best possible results. Look for creams with vitamins A or C, as these help to firm and renew the skin.

Step 5

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Try a silica-based foundation primer even if you do not use foundation. Primers can help minimize the appearance of large pores and help absorb excess oils throughout the day.

Step 6

Photo Credit Diane Shear/Demand Media

Visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for a chemical peel. The peel removes the damaged out layers of your skin to help in reducing the size of your pores.

Things You'll Need

Mild cleanser

Toner

Microdermabrasion home treatment

Pore-minimizing creams

Foundation primer

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